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The company has unveiled two new appointments to support operations at the Benalla Commonwealth government-owned, contractor-operated munitions production plant.
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NIOA has announced that it has appointed Jeff Gordon as facility manager and Dr Emma Coen as senior engineer, supporting operations at the government-owned, contractor-operated munitions production plant at Benalla.
NIOA explained that their tenancy houses the Australian Defence Force’s domestic production facilities for primary energetics, pyrotechnics, mortar and tank ammunition, as well as hand grenades, fuzes, primers and munitions test capabilities.
The pair are expected to bring a broad depth of experience to the team at Benalla.
“Jeff possesses a deep knowledge of the firearms and ammunition industry having held senior roles with Winchester Australia,” Ben James, general manager – weapons and munitions at NIOA, said.
“He has an energy and leadership style that will complement our dedicated team at Benalla.
“Emma is a highly experienced professional with more than 20 years in various manufacturing and research roles.
“As a scientist and engineer in the polymer, pharmaceutical and explosives industries, she brings vast expertise in explosives production.”
According to the company, NIOA has invested more than $15 million to upgrade the plant over the last two years with the option to expand further with NIOA owning a 121-hectare adjacent parcel of industrial zoned land.
In October, it was revealed that NIOA has partnered with German defence equipment manufacturer Diehl Defence for the local production of naval ammunition.
As part of the agreement, it is expected that Diehl will undertake a technology transfer arrangement with NIOA, enabling NIOA to locally produce Diehl’s 5” naval munitions including high explosives, practice projectiles and propelling charges.
Diehl has previously supplied 76mm rounds to the Royal Australian Navy.
The pair are also investigating further opportunities, including within Diehl’s guided long-range ammunition capabilities.
Shell case production is hoped to be carried out at the recently built joint venture Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions centre in Queensland, while filling and finishing will be completed in Victoria.
“This agreement paves the way for Diehl to bring its world-leading expertise to Australia to support NIOA in the development of sovereign capability,” Helmut Rauch, chief executive officer of Diehl Defence, said.
“Our highly advanced naval ammunition is used by navies worldwide and ensures the highest level of effectiveness and safety for a warship and its crew.”
[Related: NIOA secures LAND 159 contract]
